Nauru government called on to explain why it's signing Australian resettlement deal | Pacific Beat

Nauru government called on to explain why it's signing Australian resettlement deal

Updated 5 August 2013, 18:07 AEST

The President of Nauru Baron Waqa is being called on to explain why he signed a deal with Australia to allow the resettlement of asylum seekers bought there for processing and detention at the asylum seeker centre.

Nauru government called on to explain why it's signing Australian resettlement deal (Credit: ABC)

The deal was signed on Saturday between Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Nauru President Waqa, just a day before M Rudd announced a national election will be held early next month.

And while both leaders were describing it as a major advance, and also an important new tool for Australia in its stated aim to deter people smugglers, the people of Nauru aren't any near as pleased.

That criticisms has led Australia's government to backpeddle from its original position, while Mr Waqa is likely to be the target of some serious questions when he finally makes it back to the island.

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